A colorful oil and acrylic painting of Little Caesars founder Mike Ilitch was unveiled Wednesday at the Farmington Community Library. Like a pizza with many toppings, the mural includes a portrait of Ilitch and pieces of his storied legacy: from the Detroit Tigers to the Red Wings, the Fox Theatre, the new arena, the Stanley Cup – even a large pizza and some crazy bread.

Farmington Hills artist Curtis Lewis said the mural is iconic, inspiring and imaginative … everything Ilitch stood for in life.

“When they said the last one to cross Eight Mile should turn out the lights, he held the light switch and kept the lights on,” Lewis said. “And as a result, a lot of those who left are trying to get back there.”

Lewis said Ilitch deserves credit for restoring the Fox Theatre after years of neglect, for buying the Red Wings when the team owned last place and for having the vision to invest in Detroit when many others were skittish.

“He was genuinely committed to this community and was truly a catalyst for Detroit’s renaissance,” Lewis said. “In good times and bad times, he was always there for Detroit.”

The painting, titled “Mr. I. Thanks for the Memories,” is part of a larger collection on display at the library that Lewis calls “The World Class Icon Collection.” The exhibit includes portraits of Barack Obama, Rosa Parks and Pope John Paul II, along with legendary pop stars Michael Jackson and Prince.

Jaclyn Miller, branch head for the library, said the exhibit will be on display through the end of May.

“When Mr. Lewis presented us with this World Class Icon idea, we loved it right away,” she said. “It’s a really diverse, interesting display across all walks of life, entertainment and politics and art. It’s tremendous.”

“I expected a short handshake and perhaps a quick hello,” Lewis said of the meeting. “But to my surprise, he engaged me in a friendly conversation.”

Born in Grand Rapids and raised in Detroit, Lewis said it was a childhood crush that first inspired him to draw. His talent earned him a full scholarship to the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he studied fine and commercial art.

The nationally renowned artist once received a call from former President George W. Bush, congratulating him on a painting he did in honor of 9/11.

“He’s just an amazing artist,” said Todd Lipa, director of Youth & Family Services for Farmington Hills. “The expressions of the subjects in his portraits are incredible. You can feel the emotion.”

The Farmington Community Library is located at 32737 W. 12 Mile, just west of Orchard Lake Road.